Outreach Events

EcoWorld 2024: Action Towards Decarbonization

WHEN:  October 23, 2024
WHERE:  Sun God Lawn, UC San Diego 

ABOUT:  EcoWorld 2024: Action Towards Decarbonization will bring together UC San Diego community members in a festival-like setting with the goal of educating event attendees about current decarbonization efforts in order to take action. During the 2023-24 academic year, the Synthesis Program and campus partners engaged in a living laboratory to study how to decarbonize UC San Diego.

EcoWorld 2024 will highlight the student projects developed through the Synthesis Program living laboratory, and will feature student/campus organizations, and live performances by intersectional environmental activist and drag queen Pattie Gonia, as well as San Diego jazz-funk fusion band, Starsign. EcoWorld strives to be a zero-waste, low-emissions event.

Call for volunteers!

For participation, please contact Marlene Patino.

Friday Transfer Day

A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations, and endless resources.

WHEN:  May 3 and May 7,  2024
WHERE:  UC San Diego 

ABOUT:  This signature event welcomes admitted first-year students and transfer applicants to experience UC San Diego campus life through immersive tours and academic insights. Participate in showcasing your unit and helping students make informed decisions about becoming a Triton. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 9, 2024. Registration is required.

Triton Days Open House

A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations, and endless resources.

Two CER labs opened to give tours to students: High Energy Density Physics Lab (Beg) and Solar Resource Assessment and Forecasting (Kleissl)

WHEN:  April 13,  2024
WHERE:  UC San Diego 

ABOUT:  This signature event welcomes admitted first-year students and transfer applicants to experience UC San Diego campus life through immersive tours and academic insights. Participate in showcasing your unit and helping students make informed decisions about becoming a Triton. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 9, 2024. Registration required.

Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo

The Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo is an inclusive and annual art, science, and culture fair that welcomes families from around southern San Diego.

WHEN:  April 13, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m 
WHERE: MERCADO DEL BARRIO/1101 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113

ABOUT: The event is open to the community and will be part of the fair, highlighting science, art, and culture.

TPES Scientific Discovery Day

WHEN: Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
WHERE: Torrey Pines Elementary

ABOUT: The Torrey Pines Elementary Foundation is looking for presenters from the community who would be willing to conduct three 30-minute sessions on a scientific topic for children in any of the following grades: K-1, 2-3, or 4-5. If interested, please submit a form online.

Expanding Your Horizons

WHEN:  Saturday, March 9, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: University of San Diego

ABOUT: Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) seeks volunteers to present hands-on science and technology workshops to enthusiastic young women at the EYH 2023 Conference on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the University of San Diego. Approximately 300 sixth- to tenth-grade girls throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the EYH-San Diego Conference. The girls will participate in three workshops throughout the day in small groups (approximately 15 students each), escorted by two female college mentors. Workshop presenters in all science, math, and technology fields are needed. This is an excellent opportunity to have fun and motivate young women to pursue STEM careers. To participate, please contact CER coordinator Dmitriy Orlov.

Circuits and Electricity

ABOUT: Introduction and presentation for second-grade students. The presentation will include motor kits, Van de Graaf generator, circuit boards, and hand cranks.

Call for volunteers!

TPES Scientific Discovery Day

WHEN:  Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 8:30-11a.m.
WHERE: Torrey Pines Elementary
ABOUT: The Torrey Pines Elementary Foundation is looking for presenters from the community who would be willing to conduct three 30-minute sessions on a scientific topic for children in any of the following grades: K-1, 2-3, or 4-5. If interested, please submit a form online.

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)

WHEN:  Saturday, March 18, 2023
WHERE: University of San Diego
ABOUT: Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is seeking volunteers to present hands-on science and technology workshops to enthusiastic young women at the EYH 2023 Conference, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the University of San Diego. Approximately 300 sixth- to tenth-grade girls from throughout San Diego County are expected to attend the EYH-San Diego Conference. The girls will participate in three workshops throughout the day in small groups (approximately 15 students each), escorted by two female college mentors. Workshop presenters in all fields of science, math, and technology are needed. This is a great opportunity to have fun and motivate young women to pursue STEM careers. To participate, please contact CER coordinator, Dmitri Orlov.

2022 APS-DPP Plasma Sciences Expo

WHEN:  October 20, 2022
WHERE: Spokane, WA
ABOUT: A little over 300 students were able to take part over a 2 -3 hour period.  The organizers were pleased with the enthusiastic on-site response of the teachers and school leaders.

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH)

WHEN:  March 5, 2022
WHERE: Virtual
ABOUT: Volunteers from CER presented hands-on science and technology workshops remotely to enthusiastic young women on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 9am to 12pm. There were 10 virtual workshops total covering  computer science, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics and/or math. For the virtual conference, the students were divided into two separate groups, one for 6th-7th graders and one for 8th-10th graders. Each student attended two workshops (~9:30-10:30 and ~11-12).

APS Division of Plasma Physics Graduate School Day

WHEN:  September 25, 2021
WHERE: Virtual

61st Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics

WHEN:  October 21-25, 2019
WHERE: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Triton 5k

Join team CER for the 3.1 mile run!

WHEN:  Sunday, April 7 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon
WHERE: Triton Track & Field Stadium | UC San Diego

Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo

The Barrio Logan Science & Art Expo is an inclusive and annual art, science, and culture fair that welcomes families from around southern San Diego.

WHEN:  March 16, 2019
WHERE: MERCADO DEL BARRIO/1101 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92113

STEM resource fair at the 11^th Annual "Comienza Con un Sueño

“It Begins with a Dream” college conference at UC San Diego. Organized by UCSD CREATE and EAOP, the purpose of this event is to provide information and motivation to middle and high school students (6-11 graders) from historically underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds. With over 1,000 prospective students and parents who are interested in exploring educational pathways, information about higher education/resources and STEM opportunities, our goal is to engage students by providing hands-on demonstrations and experiments.

WHEN:  March 2, 2019
WHERE: UC San Diego

Partners in Science Conferences

Each January, a national event brings together participants in teacher-research programs from across the country to discuss their research. At this event, teachers may elect to take a lab tour of CER.

View the 2019 Agenda

WHEN:  January 18-19, 2019
WHERE: Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA

San Diego High Tech Fair

The High Tech Fair's charter is to enlighten 7th–12th grade students to the world of science and the possibilities of a scientific career. Local organizations provide the interactive experiences that allow students to view "real life" applications of what they may be learning in the classroom.

We were featured on local news! 

WHEN:  January 17-18, 2019
WHERE:  Balboa Park Activity Center, San Diego, CA

Introduction to Plasma Science Expo

Plasma Science Expo is an exhibition that focuses on hands-on science education. It is for students at all levels, parents, teachers and the general public.

CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer

WHEN:  November 8-9, 2018
WHERE:  Portland, Oregon, Oregon Convention Center

Expanding Your Horizons

A Saturday workshop of hands-on activities led by STEM role models, for middle and high school girls. The event aims to inspire girls to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More event details available here.

CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer, will lead at least 2 different workshops

WHEN:  March 10, 2018
WHERE:  University of San Diego (USD)

Camp Symposium

The CAMP Statewide Research Symposium is an annual meeting where CAMP students and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) graduate students from UC schools have the opportunity to present their research in oral or poster format.

http://cwo-test.ucsd.edu/students/sponsor/camp/activities.html#CAMP-Statewide-Research-Symposi 

WHEN:  February 3, 2018
WHERE:  UC Irvine, Irvine, CA

San Diego High Tech Fair

The High Tech Fair's charter is to enlighten 7th–12th grade students to the world of science and the possibilities of a scientific career. Local organizations provide the interactive experiences that allow students to view "real life" applications of what they may be learning in the classroom.

http://www.thecwsandiego.com/story/37287371/the-high-tech-fair-comes-to-balboa-park

WHEN:  January 25-26, 2018
WHERE:  Balboa Park Activity Center, San Diego, CA

Expanding Your Horizons

A Saturday workshop of hands-on activities led by STEM role models, for middle and high school girls. The event aims to inspire girls to recognize their potential and pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More event details available here.

CER members, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur and Rick Moyer, will lead at least 2 different workshops

WHEN:  March 4, 2017
WHERE:  University of San Diego (USD)

Public Talk: Plasmas and Energy

Saikat Chakraborty Thakur, CER's Outreach Committee co-char, will give a public talk at San Diego Mesa College about Plasmas and Energy as part of their Science Lecture Series

WHEN:  February 7, 2017
WHERE:  San Diego Mesa College

2017 Statewide Research Symposium

Organized by California Alliance for Minorities Program (CAMP), the Statewide Research Symposium is an annual meeting where CAMP students and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) graduate students from UC schools have the opportunity to present their research in oral or poster format.

Two CER members, Carlos Coimbra and Saikat Chakraborty Thakur, will be participating as judges at the symposium.

WHEN:  February 4, 2017
WHERE:  UC Irvine

Partners in Science National Conference

As part of the Partners in Science National Conference, CER members participated by giving public talks and laboratory tours. This annual program allows high school science teachers to work alongside college or university scientists on real-world laboratory research of mutual interest.

Simon Bott-Suzuki organized a CER tour for 30 high school science teachers, Saikat Chakraborty Thakur gave a talk about CER on behalf of Director Farhat Beg, Steven Mayfield gave a talk on FF21, and Bill Torre gave tours of the micro grid and Carlos Coimbra's solar lab. Several teachers from the event are now working with CER members to develop energy related lectures for their students. View the event program here.

WHEN:  January 13, 2017
WHERE:  San Diego, CA

Expanding Your Horizons

A one-day event at USD that encouraged middle and high school girls to consider careers in STEM, early enough to impact their math and science course selection in high school. CER volunteers led workshops focused on energy, electricity, motors, dynamos, and plasma science.

WHEN:  March 5, 2016
WHERE:  University of San Diego (USD)

High Tech Fair

The San Diego Science Alliance puts on this annual fair for middle and high schoolers with over 60 interactive exhibits on Energy & Clean Tech, Biotech, Conservation & Environment, Bioengineering, HealthTech, Infotech, and Robotics.

CER rented a booth and presented hands-on demonstrations of electricity and solar forecasting

WHEN:  October 13-14, 2015
WHERE:  Fleet Science Center

Lab Tour for SVTN Van de Waals

CER hosted a visit from the SVTN Van de Waals, a student study group attached to the faculty of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology. The annual tour exposes students to the range of plasma physics research they could aspire to after graduation.

CER members gave technical presentations on inertial fusion, laboratory astrophysics, and related basic plasma processes, then led a tour of the HEDP and PISCES laboratories.

WHEN:  July 28, 2015
WHERE:  UC San Diego

Training session for Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

In support of PowerPlay, a new exhibit at the Fleet Science Center, CER staff were invited to share their expertise on energy science with Fleet volunteers.

Two CER principle investigators gave presentations to Fleet volunteers on global energy use and UCSD's microgrid. Volunteers then toured two of CER's labs.

WHEN:  June 18, 2015
WHERE:  Fleet Science Center

World Oceans Day

An event hosted by the Birch Aquarium exploring ocean biodiveristy and ways the public can make an impact on changing oceans.

CER had an interactive booth demonstrating our research and general energy principles.

WHEN:  June 7, 2015
WHERE:  Birch Aquarium, La Jolla

BE WISE

The San Diego Science Alliance program engages young women grades 7-12 in STEM learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions.

A CER member attended as a mentor to students while they learned about STEM concepts and careers

WHEN:  April 17-18, 2015
WHERE:  Fleet Science Center

Triton Day

A showcase of UC San Diego’s vibrant community of infinite opportunities, where admitted students and their families can explore the UC San Diego campus, undergraduate colleges, academic departments, student services, student organizations and endless resources.

Two CER labs opened to give tours to students: High Energy Density Physics Lab (Beg) and Solar Resource Assessment and Forecasting (Kleissl)

WHEN:  April 4, 2015
WHERE:  UC San Diego

Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair

Promotes scientific literacy and interest in the fields of STEM education to all 7th–12th grade students in San Diego and Imperial counties.

A CER member participated as a judge at the science fair.

WHEN:  March 25, 2015
WHERE:  Balboa Park, San Diego

Vista Unified School District STEM Fest

Science festival for the students and families of Vista Unified School District

CER provided an interactive booth demonstrating our research and general principles of energy

WHEN:  March 25, 2015
WHERE:  Vista Unified School District

Expanding Your Horizons

A one-day event at USD for girls in grades 6 through 10 to engage in hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)

CER led a team of scientists in presenting an interactive workshop called "Electrify Your World". View the CER news article about the event

WHEN:  March 7, 2015
WHERE:  Shiley Center for Science and Technology, UC San Diego

Science and Engineering Festival

Science festival for the students and families of the Solana Santa Fe School

CER had an interactive booth demonstrating basic principles of energy

WHEN:  February 11, 2015
WHERE:  Solana Santa Fe School

High Tech Fair

The San Diego Science Alliance puts on this annual fair for middle and high schoolers with over 60 interactive exhibits on Energy & Clean Tech, Biotech, Conservation & Environment, Bioengineering, HealthTech, Infotech, and Robotics

CER rented a booth and presented hands-on demonstrations of electricity and solar forecasting. View articles and pictures

WHEN:  October 21, 2014
WHERE: Fleet Science Center

BE WISE

The San Diego Science Alliance program engages young women grades 7-12 in STEM learning experiences in collaboration with the region's research, industry and academic institutions

3 female CER members spent a night with 75 middle school girls at the Wild Animal Park to mentor them as they learned about STEM concepts and careers

WHEN:  May 22-23, 2014
WHERE:  Fleet Science Center

Transfer Triton Day

A chance for UCSD transfer students to get acquainted with the people and places of UC San Diego before school starts

CER's High Energy Density Physics lab opened to share their research

WHEN:  May 10, 2014
WHERE:  UC San Diego

Classroom Presentation

"Plasma is Star Stuff: A journey from the cosmos to your computer chip" at Texas Lutheran University

Saikat Chakraborty Thakur from CER arranged and delivered this presentation. See a video of this talk on CER's video page

WHEN:  April 25, 2014
WHERE:  Texas Lutheran University

Student Sustainable Outreach Day

Organized by the UCSD Engineers for a Sustainable World to provide high school students with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead more sustainable lives

CER's Coimbra Energy Group gave a lab tour and participated in a career panel

WHEN:  April 24, 2014 / 10:00am - 4:00pm
WHERE:  Price Center, UC San Diego

Triton Day

UCSD opens up for admitted students and family to explore campus, meet faculty and alumni, and enjoy student performances.

CER opened 3 labs to present our research to future tritons.

WHEN:  April 5, 2014
WHERE:  UC San Diego

Expanding Your Horizons

An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering

10 scientists from CER and General Atomics presented a hands-on workship "Electrify Your Life". View the article and pictures

WHEN:  March 1, 2014
WHERE:  San Diego

Partners in Science

Provides research opportunities for high-school teachers to work with investigators in academic or non-profit labs

CER opened our labs and guided a bus tour of UCSD sustainabilty projects during a site visit for this program's annual conference

WHEN:  January 17, 2014
WHERE:  San Diego

UC San Diego TRIO Outreach Program

TRIO prepares low-income, first generation college students to successfully complete high school, transition to the college of their choice and succeed in graduating with a two-year, four-year or vocational/technical degree.

CER took on a high-school student intern as part of a pre-college program. The student completed office work, toured 3 of our labs, and conducted informational interviews with staff.

WHEN:  Summer 2013
WHERE:  UC San Diego

Teacher Training

Teacher Training

CER member advised Temecula Middle School science teacher on electric motor build activity for her classes

WHEN:  Spring 2013
WHERE:  Temecula Middle School

Expanding Your Horizons

An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering

3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers

WHEN:  March 2, 2013
WHERE:  San Diego

Expanding Your Horizons

An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering

3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers

WHEN:  March 3, 2012
WHERE:  San Diego

Expanding Your Horizons

An annual conference aimed to interest girls, aged 11 to 16, in science, math, and engineering

3 joint Center for Energy Research/DIII-D National Fusion Facility workshops were held, to encourage middle and high school girls to consider STEM careers

WHEN:  March 2, 2011
WHERE:  San Diego

Project Mentorship

CER-Student Project Mentorship

Collaborated with Zachery Bissonette, San Diego Tech High senior on science and graphic arts project on fusion energy; produced YouTube video: “People Need Energy”

WHEN:  2011
WHERE:  San Diego

Classroom Presentation

CER Classroom Presentation

Making a Star on Earth: Fusion for Sustainable Energy, classroom presentation to 35 5th graders at Painted Rock Elementary School, Poway CA

WHEN:  2011
WHERE:  Painted Rock Elementary School, Poway, CA